Three key reasons behind Dalot's decision

Dalot put pen to paper at Carrington on Wednesday after making 42 appearances in 2022/23 under Erik ten Hag so far.

The new deal will keep him at Old Trafford until at least 2028, with an option of an extra year, and Dalot said the prospect of a bright future for the Reds, after winning the Carabao Cup and securing a top-four finish this season, made it an easy decision.

He also credited the role of the supporters and the backing they’ve given him ever since he first arrived as a teenager from FC Porto in 2018.

“Obviously a part [of the decision] was I looked to the future and the prospects that we have now and wanting to fight for every competition,” he explained.

“Also looking back at what made me sign for this club: the passion that I’ve seen, especially from the fans towards me since day one.

“This love from them made me believe that I can be a really good part of this club for many years and like I said, an extension means that I have this responsibility to keep showing this club that I deserve to be here and that I deserve to play for this badge.

“I’m really happy to continue to do that.”

Diogo’s relationship with Ten Hag was also a major factor, with United still hoping to make history under the Dutchman by claiming both domestic cups in the same season for the first time.

“Since he signed, since he came, I think the connection that we had was good straightaway,” Dalot added.

“I said many times, I enjoy the way he thinks of football and what he demands from the players. I see myself a lot in that.

“That’s why I had the opportunity to play a lot of games this season, to show him and to show to the club that I can be a very important part of the club. That’s what I want to keep doing.”

All being well, Diogo’s new contract will take him past a decade as a United player, a rare feat at a club where he admits demand and scrutiny from the media, fans and team-mates is high.

“To stay at this club, you have to be consistent, you have to do your best every single day to be able to stay here and play games here,” he said.

“Otherwise, as we say in Portugal, you get swallowed by everything: by the pressure, by the media, even by your team-mates that are fighting for the same as you.

“You have to step up, you have to grow in every aspect of the game and I think, looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.

“Even if I’ve had some bumps on the way, that’s what has made me now today strong mentally and physically to fight for this position and to be able to play a lot of games for this club.”

United have a rich history in the full-back department, with great names like Gary Neville, Denis Irwin and Patrice Evra familiar to everyone who signs for the club, wherever they're from.

Dalot hopes to be counted in the same company when he eventually does come to leave United.

“I think it’s obviously one of my goals one day,” he concluded.

“Players like me, when I came, look up to [those] players and obviously [I want to] be remembered as a good player that played for this club and gave everything for this badge.

“I will fight for it and hopefully one day when I leave, people will remember.”